Let your slow cooker do the heavy lifting with this vibrant, plant-based sweet potato curry. Tender sweet potatoes and hearty chickpeas cook down in a coconut milk and curry broth that fills your kitchen with incredible aroma. Come dinnertime, all that’s left to do is stir in fresh basil and lime, spoon it over rice, and serve.

Active time: 10 minutes | Total time: 4 hours, 10 minutes

Slow Cooker Sweet Potato Curry

Ingredients

• 1 medium onion, diced
• 1 medium red bell pepper, diced
• 2 large sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into 1 inch cubes
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tbsp fresh ginger, minced
• 2 cups vegetable broth
• 1/2 cup light coconut milk
• 1 tbsp curry powder
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 cup fresh basil, roughly chopped
• 1/2 tsp lime zest
• 1 1/2 tbsp fresh lime juice
• 1 15-oz. can low sodium chickpeas, rinsed and drained
• 3 cups cooked jasmine or basmati rice
• 4 tbsp plain nonfat Greek yogurt

Directions

Combine the onion, bell pepper, sweet potatoes, garlic, and ginger in a 4-quart slow cooker.

In a small bowl, stir together the vegetable broth, coconut milk, curry powder, and salt, then pour over the vegetables. Cover and cook on high for 4 hours or low for 8 hours, until the sweet potatoes are tender. Stir in the basil, lime zest, lime juice and chickpeas.

Serve the curry over hot cooked rice. Top each serving with 1 tbsp yogurt and garnish with basil, if desired.

Serves: 4 | Serving Size: 2 cups curry with 3/4 cup rice + 1 tbsp yogurt

Nutrition (per serving): Calories: 421; Total Fat: 5g; Saturated Fat: 2g; Monounsaturated Fat: 0g; Polyunsaturated Fat: 0g; Cholesterol: 1mg; Sodium: 951mg; Carbohydrate: 81g; Dietary Fiber: 9g; Sugar: 14g; Protein: 14g

Nutrition Bonus: Potassium: 1050mg; Iron: 19%; Vitamin A: 58%; Vitamin C: 106%; Calcium: 10%

Originally published: November 22, 2019; Updated May 2026

The post Slow Cooker Sweet Potato Curry appeared first on MyFitnessPal Blog.

This weeknight interpretation of the classic Alsatian dish is a hearty meal of sausage, cabbage and potatoes — and it’s perfect for fall. This version takes the whole dish and makes it happen on a sheet pan for ease. Be sure to use a rimmed baking sheet to prevent the ingredients from sliding off.

Active time: 10 minutes | Total time: 45 minutes

Sheet Pan Sausage Choucroute Garnie

Ingredients

• 1 small head red cabbage, cut through the core into eight 1/2-inch thick wedges
• 1 lb (453g) baby red potatoes, halved if large
• 1 apple, such as Honeycrisp or Granny Smith, halved, cored and sliced 1/4-inch thick
• 1 small yellow onion (125g), halved, peeled and cut through the root into 1/4-inch thick wedges
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
• 1 tsp cumin or caraway seeds
• 1/2 tsp yellow mustard seeds
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 4 precooked chicken-apple sausages
• 1/4 cup parsley, roughly chopped

Directions:

Preheat the oven to 450°F (230°C) and line a large rimmed baking sheet with aluminum foil.

In a large bowl, gently toss the cabbage, potatoes, apple, onion, olive oil, apple cider vinegar, cumin, and mustard seeds. Season with salt and pepper. Spread the mixture in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet and roast for 15 minutes.

Remove the baking sheet from the oven and use a spatula to flip the vegetables and apples. Arrange the chicken sausages on top and return to the oven. Roast for about 10-12 minutes more, or until the sausages reach an internal temperature of 165°F and are browned and the cabbage is crisp-tender. Let cool for 5 minutes.

Garnish with parsley and serve immediately.

Serves: 4 | Serving Size: 1 sausage and 1 1/2 cups of vegetables

Nutrition (per serving): Calories: 397; Total Fat: 19g; Saturated Fat: 5g; Monounsaturated Fat: 5g; Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g; Cholesterol: 80mg; Sodium: 878mg; Carbohydrate: 44g; Dietary Fiber: 8g; Sugar: 15g; Protein: 18g

Nutrition Bonus: Calcium: 9%; Potassium: 947mg; Vitamin A: 8%; Vitamin C: 93%, Iron: 18%

Originally published: October 8, 2019; Updated May 2026

The post Sheet Pan Sausage and Cabbage appeared first on MyFitnessPal Blog.

This recipe gives you a hearty vegetarian dinner in only 30 minutes and uses just one pan. Loads of tender cauliflower florets mingle with whole-grain pasta that’s brightened with fresh lemon, briny feta cheese and meaty olives.

Active time: 15 minutes | Total time: 30 minutes

One-Pot Pasta With Cauliflower, Lemon and Olives

Ingredients

• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 5 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
• 3/4 tsp dried oregano
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1/4 tsp kosher salt
• 8 oz. (225g) whole-grain penne
• 6 cups (660g) fresh cauliflower florets
• 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
• 1 tsp lemon zest
• 16 pitted Castelvetrano or other green olives, halved
• 1/2 cup (75g) feta cheese, crumbled
• 1/4 cup (15g) fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)

Directions

Heat a large skillet or sauté pan over medium heat. Add the olive oil and swirl to coat the pan. Add the garlic and cook until lightly golden, about 2 minutes.

Add 4 cups water, oregano, black pepper, kosher salt, and pasta. Bring to a boil, cover, and cook for 6 minutes.

Stir in the cauliflower, cover, and continue cooking until the cauliflower and pasta are tender, 6–8 minutes. If excess liquid remains, uncover and cook for an additional 2–3 minutes until most of the liquid evaporates.

Remove the pan from the heat. Stir in the lemon juice, lemon zest, and olives. Sprinkle with the feta cheese and garnish with parsley, if desired.

Serve immediately.

Serves: 4 | Serving Size: About 2 cups

Nutrition (per serving): Calories: 365; Total Fat: 16g; Saturated Fat: 4g; Monounsaturated Fat: 6g; Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g; Cholesterol: 17mg; Sodium: 737mg; Carbohydrate: 50g; Dietary Fiber: 13g; Sugar: 5g; Protein: 14g

Nutrition Bonus: Potassium: 793mg; Iron: 17%; Vitamin A: 7%; Vitamin C: 130%; Calcium: 19%

Originally published June 4, 2020; Updated June 2026

The post One-Pot Pasta With Cauliflower, Lemon and Olives appeared first on MyFitnessPal Blog.

Say bye to bland burgers. These lean chicken patties are spiced up with smoky chipotle peppers for a bold, satisfying bite. And nothing pairs better with a burger than a side of fries — crispy, chili-roasted sweet potato fries add a welcome kick to round out the meal.

Active time: 20 minutes | Total time: 50 minutes

Spicy Chicken Burger with Sweet Potato Fries

Ingredients

For the spicy chicken burger:

• 1 lb (454g) ground chicken breast
• 2 tsp grated onion
• 1 tsp chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, chopped
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1 large (35g) egg white
• 1 tsp olive or canola oil
• 4 whole-grain burger buns, split and toasted if desired
• 4 lettuce leaves
• 4 tomato slices

For the sweet potato fries:

• 2 medium (150g each) sweet potatoes
• 1 tsp olive oil
• 1 tsp chili powder

Directions

Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).

Peel the sweet potatoes and cut into 1/2-inch wedges, cutting pieces to the same size for even cooking. Toss with 1 tsp olive oil and chili powder. Spread on a nonstick baking sheet or a baking sheet lined with nonstick aluminum foil. Bake, turning once, for 30–35 minutes, or until crisp and golden brown.

Meanwhile, combine the ground chicken, grated onion, chipotle peppers, cumin, salt, and egg white in a medium bowl and mix well with your hands. Shape into 4 patties.

Heat the oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat, swirling to coat the bottom. Add the patties and cook for 4–5 minutes per side, or until completely cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).

Serve the burgers on the buns with the lettuce and tomato. Serve with the sweet potato fries.

Serves: 4 | Serving Size: 1 burger and 1/2 sweet potato

Nutrition (per serving): Calories: 346; Total Fat: 6g; Saturated Fat: 0g; Monounsaturated Fat: 2g; Polyunsaturated Fat: 0g; Cholesterol: 55mg; Sodium: 371mg; Carbohydrate: 40g; Dietary Fiber: 3g; Sugar: 6g; Protein: 32g

Nutrition Bonus: Potassium: 492mg; Iron: 5%; Vitamin A: 49%; Vitamin C: 25%

The post Spicy Chicken Burger with Sweet Potato Fries appeared first on MyFitnessPal Blog.

Collagen-rich and deeply flavorful, there’s a reason this thrifty cut is a favorite of home cooks and chefs alike. Oxtail contains meat, bones and cartilage, which melt into a delicious sauce when braised in the slow cooker. Look for meaty pieces that are at least 2 ½-3 inches or larger in diameter for the best value.

RD Tip: If oxtail is hard to find, you can swap them out with just about any meat-on-the-bone, like short ribs, beef shanks, or even bone-in chicken thighs.

Slow Cooker Braised Oxtail and Carrots

Ingredients

• 4 lb. (1814g) oxtails
• 1 tsp ground black pepper
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 3 tbsp no salt-added tomato paste
• 1/2 cup (113g) dry red wine (such as Pinot Noir or Merlot)
• 2 cups (360g) low-sodium beef broth
• 1 tsp granulated garlic or garlic powder
• 2 bay leaves
• 1 small sprig rosemary 
• 1 large yellow onion, chopped
• 3 large carrots (475g), cut into 1/2-in. thick coins
• 2 celery stalks, sliced
• 1 large parsnip, chopped
• 2 tbsp cornstarch

Directions

Season the oxtails with pepper and salt. Heat the oil in a large non-stick pan over medium-high heat. When the oil is hot, add the oxtails to the pan (in batches if needed, to avoid overcrowding the pan.) Cook, turning occasionally, until browned all over, about 10 minutes. Add to the slow cooker.

Pour off the fat in the pan. Return the pan to medium-high heat and add the tomato paste. Cook, stirring constantly, about 2-3 minutes, or until it begins to brown. Add the wine and simmer for another 1 minute, scraping up the brown bits on the bottom of the pan. Add the broth, granulated garlic, rosemary and bay leaves and stir to combine.

Pour the wine mixture over the oxtails in the slow cooker. Nestle the celery and onion around the oxtail. Cover and cook on low in a large (6.5qt/6L) slow cooker for 8–9 hours (or on high for 4-5 hours) until oxtail reaches an internal temperature of 190-205°F, adding the parsnips and carrots during the last 2-3 hours of cooking.

Transfer the oxtails and vegetables to a large serving bowl with a slotted spoon. Discard the bay leaves and rosemary sprig. Cover meat and vegetables with foil. Set aside.

Pour the cooking liquid into a gravy separator and let it stand for a few minutes so the fat rises; discard the fat (alternatively, pour the cooking liquid into a large measuring cup, let sit for a few minutes, then spoon the fat off the top and discard.) Pour the defatted cooking liquid into a small saucepan. Bring the cooking liquid to a boil over medium-high heat and simmer for 4 minutes.

In a small bowl, combine the cornstarch with 2 tbsp water and stir to combine. Add to the cooking liquid and simmer until thickened, about 2 minutes. Season sauce with additional salt and pepper, if desired. Pour the sauce over the oxtails and vegetables and serve.

Serves: 6 | Serving Size: 2 medium oxtails, 2/3 cup vegetables, 1/3 cup sauce

Nutrition (per serving): Calories: 628; Total Fat: 33g; Saturated Fat: 13g; Monounsaturated Fat: 16g; Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g; Cholesterol: 227mg; Sodium: 620mg; Carbohydrate: 21g; Dietary Fiber: 3g; Sugar: 5g; Protein: 63g

Nutrition Bonus: Potassium: 1194mg; Iron: 49%; Calcium: 7%; Vitamin A: 25%; Vitamin C: 15%

Originally published March 10, 2020; Updated April 2026

The post Slow Cooker Braised Oxtail and Carrots appeared first on MyFitnessPal Blog.

Lemon and chicken marry with fragrant oregano in this recipe for slow-cooked chicken thighs. The chicken thighs are complemented by a refreshing Greek salad to make a delicious low-carb lunch. Make the chicken thighs and Greek salad ahead of time to pack for lunch or enjoy at any meal.

Active time: 15 minutes | Total time: 3-4 hours, 15 minutes

Slow Cooker Lemon Greek Chicken

Ingredients

• 4 bone-in (4 oz. or 115 grams each) chicken thighs, skin removed
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp + 1 tsp dried oregano
• 2 tbsp lemon juice
• 1/4 cup chicken broth
• 4 medium tomatoes, diced
• 2 large English cucumbers, sliced
• 1/2 medium red onion, thinly sliced
• 6 tbsp crumbled feta cheese, divided
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp red wine vinegar

Directions

Season the chicken thighs all over with the salt, black pepper, garlic, and oregano. Arrange in a single layer in the slow cooker and pour the lemon juice and chicken broth over the top. Cover and cook on high for 3–4 hours or on low for 6–7 hours, until the chicken is tender and cooked through to an internal temperature of 165°F.

While the chicken cooks, prepare the salad. In a large bowl, combine the tomatoes, cucumbers, onion and 2 tbsp feta. In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil and red wine vinegar, then drizzle over the vegetables and toss to coat. Refrigerate until ready to serve.

To serve, divide the salad evenly among four plates and place one chicken thigh alongside each portion. Top each chicken thigh with 1 tbsp feta. Serve immediately.

Serves: 4 | Serving Size: 1 chicken thigh + 1 cup Greek Salad

Nutrition (per serving): Calories: 264; Total Fat: 12g; Saturated Fat: 4g; Monounsaturated Fat: 3g; Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g; Cholesterol: 118mg; Sodium: 469mg; Carbohydrate: 15g; Dietary Fiber: 5g; Sugar: 6g; Protein: 27g

Nutrition Bonus: Potassium: 853mg; Iron: 15%; Vitamin A: 2%; Vitamin C: 41%; Calcium: 19%

Originally published: October 10, 2015; Updated May 2026

The post Slow Cooker Lemon Greek Chicken appeared first on MyFitnessPal Blog.

In this recipe, lightened-up turkey meatballs cook low and slow in an aromatic pomodoro sauce. In place of pasta, we add lacinato kale and canned chickpeas. This meal is a great one to assemble before the work or school day, then dish up when you’re ready to serve dinner. The meatballs hold well on the warm setting of your slow cooker until you’re ready to eat.

Try this recipe for dinner after a workout. Because the prep is done ahead of time, it’s the perfect opportunity to spend your evening doing a hard workout and then refuel with protein, carbohydrates and a vegetable in a hearty dish.

Active time: 20 minutes | Total time: 4–8 hours

Slow Cooker Turkey Meatballs

Ingredients

For the meatballs

• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 lb (454g) ground turkey
• 1/2 cup (54g) plain breadcrumbs
• 1/4 cup (25g) Parmesan cheese, finely shredded
• 1/4 cup Italian parsley, finely chopped
• 1 large egg, lightly beaten
• 1 large garlic clove, finely grated
• ¾ tsp salt
• ½ tsp dried oregano
• ½ tsp ground black pepper

For the sauce

• 2 large garlic cloves, thinly sliced
• 2 large sprigs fresh basil
• 2 (28-oz/1,588g) cans no salt added crushed tomatoes
• ½ tsp onion powder
• ½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes
• ¼ tsp salt
• ½ bunch lacinato kale, stemmed and chopped
• 1 (15-oz/425g) can no salt added chickpeas, rinsed and drained
• 1 tbsp unsalted butter

Optional garnishes (not included in nutrition totals)

• Basil leaves, torn
• freshly shredded Parmesan cheese
• Crusty bread

Directions

Drizzle the olive oil in the bottom of a 6–8-quart slow cooker.

In a large bowl, gently combine the remaining meatball ingredients. Using your hands or a 1 3/4-in ice cream scoop, portion out the meatballs and arrange in the bottom of the slow cooker. You should have about 12 meatballs.

To make the sauce, scatter the sliced garlic and basil sprigs over the meatballs, then pour the crushed tomatoes over the top. Add the onion powder and crushed red pepper and season with salt. Do not stir.

Cover the slow cooker and cook on high for 4 hours or on low for 6–8 hours, until the meatballs are cooked through and register 165°F on an instant-read thermometer. Remove basil sprigs and discard. Gently stir in the kale and chickpeas and cook on high for 30 minutes, or until the kale is wilted. Stir in the butter until melted and season the sauce with salt, if needed.

Ladle the meatballs and sauce into four shallow bowls. Garnish with torn basil leaves and freshly shredded Parmesan cheese, if desired. Serve right away, passing slices of crusty bread to mop up the sauce (optional).

Serves: 4 | Serving Size: 3 meatballs, plus 1 cup of sauce

Nutrition (per serving): Calories: 499; Total Fat: 20g; Saturated Fat: 6g; Monounsaturated Fat: 8g; Polyunsaturated Fat: 4g; Cholesterol: 147mg; Sodium: 910mg; Carbohydrate: 46g; Dietary Fiber: 15g; Sugar: 14g; Protein: 36g

Nutrition Bonus: Potassium: 1687mg; Iron: 24%; Vitamin A: 93%; Vitamin C: 28%; Calcium: 13%

Originally published September 22, 2020; Updated May 2026

The post Slow Cooker Turkey Meatballs appeared first on MyFitnessPal Blog.

These spicy turkey burgers are anything but ordinary. Finely chopped portobello mushrooms are worked into the patties to add moisture and deep, savory flavor, while a bold harissa carrot slaw and creamy tahini sauce take every bite to the next level. Served on toasted whole-grain naan, this is a burger worth making on repeat — weeknight dinner or weekend cookout, it delivers every time.

Active time: 25 minutes | Total time: 1 hour

Spicy Turkey Burgers With Carrot Slaw

Ingredients

• 1 tsp olive oil
• 2 medium portobello mushrooms, dark underside scraped out and discarded, cap finely chopped
• 5 tsp hot water, divided
• 1 lb 93% lean ground turkey
• 1 large egg yolk
• 4 tsp ground flaxseeds
• 1¼ tsp ground cumin
• ½ tsp garlic powder, divided
• ½ tsp salt, divided
• ½ tsp black pepper, divided
• 2 tbsp lemon juice, divided
• 1½ tsp harissa
• 2 large carrots, grated
• 2 tbsp cilantro, chopped
• 1½ tbsp tahini
• ½ tsp maple syrup
• Cooking spray
• 4 small whole-grain naan, lightly toasted
• 4 green lettuce leaves

Directions

Heat the olive oil in a medium nonstick pan over medium heat. Add the mushrooms and sauté, stirring frequently, until they begin to brown, about 4–5 minutes. Add a few tbsp water and simmer, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan, until the water evaporates, about 30 seconds. Transfer to a mixing bowl and let cool completely.

Add the ground turkey, egg yolk, flaxseeds, cumin, 1/4 tsp garlic powder, 1/4 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper to the bowl. Mix gently with your hands until just combined. With lightly oiled hands, form the mixture into four 4 1/2-inch (11cm) patties about 3/4 inch thick, pressing a slight dimple into the center of each. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.

Meanwhile, prepare the slaw. In a medium bowl, whisk together 1 tbsp lemon juice and the harissa. Add the carrots, cilantro, 1/4 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper and toss to combine. Set aside.

For the sauce, whisk together the tahini, remaining 1 tbsp lemon juice, maple syrup, and remaining 1/4 tsp garlic powder in a small bowl. Add 1–2 tsp hot water and whisk until smooth.

Preheat a grill or nonstick grill pan over medium heat and lightly coat with cooking spray. Cook the burgers for 5–6 minutes per side, or until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Do not press down on the patties while cooking.

Place each burger on a toasted naan and top with a lettuce leaf, tahini sauce, and carrot slaw. Serve immediately.

Serves: 4 | Serving Size: 1 flatbread, 1 burger patty, 1/2 cup (50g) slaw, 1 tbsp sauce

Nutrition (per serving): Calories: 417; Total Fat: 19g; Saturated Fat: 5g; Monounsaturated Fat: 3g; Polyunsaturated Fat: 3g; Cholesterol: 131mg; Sodium: 788mg; Carbohydrate: 32g; Dietary Fiber: 5g; Sugar: 6g; Protein: 30g

Nutrition Bonus: Potassium: 474mg; Iron: 23%; Vitamin A: 403%; Vitamin C: 10%; Calcium: 11%

Originally published June 2026

The post Spicy Turkey Burgers With Carrot Slaw appeared first on MyFitnessPal Blog.

These slow cooker sliders give you all the savory, sweet and tangy flavors of a classic Cuban sandwich but with a dose of whole grains, some heart-healthy fats and almost 60% of your daily calcium needs (1).  Our recipe uses pork shoulder simmered in a sweet, citrus broth made from fresh orange and lime, and is served on a whole-grain slider bun with Swiss cheese and pickles.

Active time: 40 minutes | Total time: 7-8 hours (if using low-heat setting)

Slow Cooker Pork Sliders

Ingredients

• 1 ½ tbsp cumin
• 1 ½ tbsp dried oregano
• 1 ½ tsp salt
• 1 (3.5 lb) pork shoulder, trimmed of as much fat as possible
• 1 tbsp avocado or olive oil
• 4 cloves garlic, smashed
• 1 medium (110g) white onion, thinly sliced
• 1 lime, juiced
• 2 medium oranges, juiced (about 1 cup juice)
• 1/2 cup (120g) water
• 16 whole-grain slider rolls
• ⅓ cup Dijon mustard
• 16 (448g) 1-oz slices of Swiss cheese
• 16 pickle slices

Directions

Prepare the rub by putting cumin, oregano and salt into a small bowl. Toss to combine.

Sprinkle rub over the pork shoulder, and use your fingers to massage the rub into the meat.

Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add oil to the skillet, and allow it to heat. Add the pork shoulder to the skillet and sear until it is brown all over, about 7–10 minutes.

Put the pork shoulder into the slow cooker, then add the garlic, onion, lime juice, orange juice and water. Cook pork shoulder on low for 6–8 hours or high for 3-4 hours, until meat completely falls apart and temperature reaches 195–205°F.

Take the pork shoulder out of the slow cooker, and shred the meat with a pair of tongs or two forks. Add as much juice from the slow cooker as needed to your shredded pork to keep it moist and juicy.

Split the slider buns and toast them. Spread each bun half with ~½ tbsp mustard, ¼ cup of slow-cooked pork, one a slice of Swiss cheese and pickle. Serve and enjoy!

Serves: 8 |  Serving Size: 2 sliders 

Nutrition (per serving): Calories: 719; Total Fat: 36g; Saturated Fat: 15g; Monounsaturated Fat: 12g; Polyunsaturated Fat: 3g; Cholesterol: 185mg; Sodium: 1263mg; Carbohydrate: 35g; Dietary Fiber: 5g; Sugar: 8g; Protein: 61g

Nutrition Bonus: Potassium: 946mg; Iron: 28%; Vitamin C: 37%; Calcium: 58%

Originally published October 7, 2015; Updated May 2026

The post Slow Cooker Pork Sliders appeared first on MyFitnessPal Blog.

Using frozen spinach and canned beans means these vegetarian enchiladas can be whipped up on the fly with ingredients you probably have at home. Skip the cheese to make it vegan-friendly.

Active time: 15 minutes | Total time: 35 minutes

Sweet Potato Black Bean Enchiladas

Ingredients

• 2 medium (260g) sweet potatoes
• 1 15-oz. can of enchilada sauce, divided
• 1 15-oz. can no salt added black beans, rinsed and drained
• 1 10-oz. package frozen spinach, thawed and pressed to remove the liquid
• 1/4 cup salsa
• 1/2 tsp ground cumin
• 8 corn tortillas
• 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Directions

Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). 

Pierce sweet potatoes with a fork then microwave them until they are tender, about 8-10 minutes.

Lightly spread 2 tbsp of enchilada sauce over the bottom of a large baking dish to prevent sticking.

Peel and dice the cooked sweet potatoes into 1/2 inch cubes, then place them in a large bowl. Add the black beans, well-drained spinach, salsa, cumin and 2 tbsp of the enchilada sauce and stir until evenly combined.

Warm the tortillas so they’re soft and pliable by wrapping them in a damp paper towel and microwaving for 30–45 seconds. Working one at a time, spoon about 1/2 cup of filling across the center of each tortilla, roll tightly, and place seam-side down in the prepared baking dish.

Pour the remaining enchilada sauce evenly over the tortillas and top with the shredded cheddar cheese. Bake until the filling is heated through and the cheese is melted, about 20 minutes. Let cool slightly before serving.

Serves:  4 |  Serving Size: 2 enchiladas

Nutrition (Per serving): Calories: 379; Total Fat: 8g; Saturated Fat: 3g; Monounsaturated Fat: 1g; Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g; Cholesterol: 14mg; Sodium: 1032mg; Carbohydrate: 61g; Dietary Fiber: 13g; Sugar: 11g; Protein: 16g

Nutrition Bonus: Vitamin D: 1%; Calcium: 20%; Iron: 21%; Potassium: 1226mg; Vitamin A: 35%; Vitamin C: 18%

Originally published November 13, 2017; Updated June 2026

The post Sweet Potato Black Bean Enchiladas appeared first on MyFitnessPal Blog.

This easy, flavor-packed dinner can be assembled in the morning in your slow cooker so you have dinner waiting for you when you get home. The tomatillos cook down into a tangy stew that gets a kick of heat from jalapeño and canned green chilies, while the boneless skinless chicken thighs become tender and practically fall apart when you shred them. Serve the chili verde over a bed of steamed rice with your favorite toppings, or with warm tortillas for dipping. We like to top it with a dollop of Greek yogurt for added creaminess.

This is a recipe you can mold to your nutritional needs. You can alter the nutrition by intentionally choosing toppings — add avocados and Greek yogurt if you want to bump up the calories, or radishes if you want extra flavor and crunch without adding many calories. You can also add a can of white beans for extra protein and fiber (1).

Active time: 25 minutes | Total time: 4–6 hours, 25 minutes

Slow Cooker Chicken Chile Verde

Ingredients

• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 1/2 lb (680g) tomatillos, husks removed and halved or quartered, if large
• 1 small yellow onion, finely diced
• 5 garlic cloves, smashed
• 1 jalapeño, seeded and minced
• 1/4 cup cilantro leaves, finely chopped
• 1 4-oz. can chopped green chiles
• 1 tsp cumin seeds
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1 1/2 lb (680g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs
• 2 tbsp fresh lime juice, plus more as needed

Directions

In the insert of a 5–7-quart slow cooker, heat the oil on the sauté setting until shimmering. If your slow cooker does not have a sauté setting, heat the oil in a large nonstick skillet over moderately high heat, then transfer the contents to the slow cooker before proceeding.

Add the tomatillos and cook, stirring occasionally, for 8–10 minutes, until they begin to brown and soften. Add the onion, garlic, jalapeño, cilantro, green chiles, cumin seeds, and ½ cup water and stir to combine. 

Season the chicken thighs all over with salt and pepper and nestle them into the tomatillo mixture. Cover and cook on high for 2-3 hours or on low for 4-6 hours, until the chicken is very tender and pulls apart easily.

Transfer the chicken to a cutting board and let rest for 10 minutes. Using two forks, shred the meat into bite-size pieces. 

Meanwhile, use the back of a large spoon or an immersion blender to mash or partially blend the tomatillos to your desired consistency. Stir the shredded chicken back into the sauce along with the lime juice and season with additional salt, pepper, and lime juice as needed.

Serve with your desired toppings and sides.

Serves: 6 | Serving Size: 1 1/2 cups

Nutrition (per serving): Calories: 234; Total Fat: 11g; Saturated Fat: 2g; Monounsaturated Fat: 5g; Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g; Cholesterol: 107mg; Sodium: 379mg; Carbohydrate: 11g; Dietary Fiber: 3g; Sugar: 6g; Protein: 24g

Nutrition Bonus: Calcium: 3%; Iron: 11%; Potassium: 690mg; Vitamin A: 5%; Vitamin C: 33%

Originally published: February 5, 2021; Updated May 2026

The post Slow Cooker Chicken Chile Verde appeared first on MyFitnessPal Blog.

Saucy, savory and messy, these sloppy Joe sandwiches are vegan, but they contain 20 grams of protein thanks to a vegan chickpea-lentil filling instead of ground beef. These are served on whole grain buns, but you can also serve the filling in tacos or on quinoa for a nutritious bowl meal.

The fiber and protein in this recipe helps keep you full, so give this one a try for meal prep for lunch and you may not feel the need to snack throughout the afternoon.

Active time: 15 minutes | Total time: 25 minutes

Vegan Sloppy Janes

Ingredients

• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1/2 yellow onion, finely diced
• 1/2 cup green or red bell pepper, finely diced
• 1 8-oz. can no salt added tomato sauce
• 2 tbsp Dijon mustard
• 1 tbsp honey (or maple syrup)
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/8 tsp cayenne
• 3 tbsp water
• 1 15.5-oz. (455g) can low-sodium garbanzo beans, rinsed and drained
• 1 1/2 cup (297g) cooked lentils or canned, rinsed and drained brown lentils
• 4 whole-wheat hamburger buns, toasted
• 4 romaine lettuce leaves

Directions

Heat the olive oil in a large saute pan over medium heat. Add the onions and peppers and saute, stirring occasionally, until tender, about 4 minutes. Add the tomato sauce, mustard, honey, garlic powder, salt, cayenne pepper and 3 tbsp of water. Stir to combine.

Add the garbanzo beans and lentils. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 10 minutes. Using a potato masher, mash about half of the garbanzo beans. Serve on toasted buns. topped with lettuce.

Tip: To cook lentils from dried, put 1 cup lentils in a medium saucepan. Cover with cold water by 2 inches. Add 1 bay leaf and bring to a simmer over high heat. Cover, reduce heat to low, and simmer until tender, 20–30 minutes, depending on the age of the lentils. Drain. Makes about 3 cups.

Serves: 4 | Serving Size: heaping cup bean mixture, 1 bun

Nutrition (per serving): Calories: 404; Total Fat: 9g; Saturated Fat: 1g; Monounsaturated Fat: 4g; Polyunsaturated Fat: 3g; Cholesterol: 0mg; Sodium: 806mg; Carbohydrate: 64g; Dietary Fiber: 16g; Sugar: 15g; Protein: 20g

Nutrition Bonus: Calcium: 18%; Iron: 34%; Potassium: 835 mg; Vitamin A: 8%; Vitamin C: 35%

Originally published February 9, 2021; Updated February 2026

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